Our Ministries
Ministries are the diverse works that we do or are involved with through which we fulfill our collective mission of supporting and empowering the most vulnerable in our society. Our mission is the result of our charism. Charism is a form of grace that God bestows on each of us for the sake of others. Each Religious community is gifted with charism that is specific to their community. For us Sisters of Providence, our charism is to be the human face of Providence and to serve with compassion as a result of our devotion to Mary, Our Mother of Sorrows. In other words, our mission is to respond to the needs of the world, whatever that may be, using our individual and communal gifts and talents to show the world that God is a Provident and that we have refuge in Mary, our compassionate mother who knows and feels our sufferings.
As members of an apostolic Religious Congregation, we are involved in different ministries that are good fit with our individual skills and talents. Some of us are involved in education with young children, pastoral work in hospitals and with the elderly, healthcare, social work, chaplaincy in prison, spiritual direction, vocation and formation ministry, and ministry of prayer and presence.
A group of Sisters praying together for one another, for the needs of others, and the needs of the world.
Sr. Rezebeth Noceja, SP and Sr. Beth Rayray, SP planting trees during a tree planting event organized by the community in support of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) advocacy for ecological justice.
Sr. Serena Chappell, SP teaching crafts to a child during a Summer Bible School trip to northern Alberta.
A group of Sisters praying together for one another, for the needs of others, and the needs of the world.
While many of our institutional ministries have been handed over to the government or other non-profit agencies, we are able to keep four institutions that reflect the manifestation of our charism in the present time. These are Providence Centre, Anawim Place Food Bank, Providence Renewal Centre, and Father Lacombe Care Society.
Providence Centre
Providence Centre opened in 1965 and is located in Edmonton where our Administration for Western Canada is housed. It also has an infirmary where our elderly Sisters are cared for. Many years ago, the centre was opened to Religious women from other congregations and now it has become a common home for many Religious Congregations of women in Western Canada.
Providence Centre also has a beautiful Chapel inside where we welcome members of the public who want to participate in Eucharistic celebrations with us.
Anawim Place Food Bank
Anawim Place Foodbank is one of our oldest ministries located in inner-city Edmonton. It started as a food program in the basement of Sacred Heart, Church of the First Peoples in 1983 until the operation was moved to its own building in 1988 and became a food bank. Together with the Edmonton Food Bank, we serve people from all walks of life who are experiencing food insecurity within the inner-city area. This ministry imitates Mother Gamelin's work of providing food for those in need.
Anawim is Hebrew for "poor in spirit", people who remain faithful to God in spite of their sufferings.
Providence Renewal Centre
Providence Renewal Centre opened in 1982 as a sacred space where individuals and groups can find peace and serenity within an urban setting. While staying true to our Catholic tradition, we embrace ecumenism and welcome people from different faith traditions.
At Providence Renewal Centre, we offer various programs that nourish and support spiritual formation and development for both individuals and groups. Situated on beautiful landscaped grounds, our quiet, clean Centre is conducive to prayer and reflection.
Father Lacombe Care Society
Father Lacombe Care Society (FLCS), owns and operates two care centres: Father Lacombe Care Centre, and Providence Care Centre. Our care centres provide a home-like setting to 274 adults, and employing over 300 staff. As the oldest Catholic Continuing Care organization in Calgary, Alberta and the surrounding area, FLCS continues the legacy started by Father Albert Lacombe, OMI and the Sisters of Providence.
Governed by the Father Lacombe Care Society Board of Directors, and Guided by Providence, Father Lacombe Care Society provides respectful, dignified and compassionate care that enables our community to enjoy life to the fullest. Faithfully following our values of Excellence, Sacredness of Life, Compassion, Spirituality and Justice.
Support Our Various Ministries Through CanadaHelps
Click on the designated link for each ministry to choose where your donation goes.
To support Anawim Place Food Bank, click
To support Providence Renewal Centre, click
To support Father Lacombe Care Society, click
Donate by Mail
Alternatively, you can send us a cheque in the mail at the address below and we will send you back a tax receipt for your donation. Please specify which ministry you would like to direct your donation to.
SISTERS OF PROVIDENCE
3005 119 St. NW
Edmonton, AB
T6J 5R5